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Royal Caribbean Drink Package Cost 2026: The Complete Breakdown
Wondering how much is Royal Caribbean drink package in 2026? Get the complete breakdown of prices, packages, and whether it's worth it for your next cruise with our independent guide.
Understanding the cost of Royal Caribbean's drink packages is crucial for budgeting your cruise holiday and deciding if it's the right choice for you. In this comprehensive guide for 2026, we'll break down everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's drink packages, their costs, and whether they truly offer value for money for UK cruisers. Let's dive in and demystify those beverage bills!
What Is the Royal Caribbean Drink Package: Everything You Need to Know
Royal Caribbean offers a selection of beverage packages designed to cater to different preferences, from those who enjoy a daily cocktail or two to guests who prefer to stick to soft drinks and speciality coffees. These packages allow you to prepay for an unlimited (or near-unlimited, depending on the package) number of drinks, potentially saving you money compared to purchasing each drink individually. It's a popular choice for many, as it helps manage your onboard spending and avoids any nasty surprises on your final bill.
You can order a fresh juice with breakfast, a speciality coffee mid-morning, a cocktail by the pool, and wine with dinner without ever thinking about the cost. It definitely adds to the feeling of an all-inclusive holiday, even if Royal Caribbean isn't strictly all-inclusive. However, it's crucial to understand what each package includes and its true cost.
Key Things to Know About Royal Caribbean Drink Packages
- All Adults in Cabin Rule: If one adult in a stateroom purchases a Deluxe Beverage Package, all other adults (21+ in North America, 18+ elsewhere) in the same stateroom must also purchase a Deluxe Beverage Package or the Refreshment Package. This is a non-negotiable rule to prevent sharing.
- Pre-Cruise vs. Onboard Pricing: Prices are almost always lower when purchased through the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner online before your sailing. Onboard prices are typically 10-30% higher.
- Daily Rate + Gratuity: The advertised price for all packages is a daily rate, and a 20% gratuity is automatically added to the total cost at the time of purchase (Royal Caribbean, checked 1 Nov 2026). This means the price you see isn't the final price you'll pay.
- Package Duration: Drink packages must be purchased for the entire duration of your cruise, not just for specific days. You cannot buy it for just a few sea days, for example.
- Price Fluctuations: Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing, meaning the cost can change frequently. It's common to see prices rise and fall, so if you see a good deal, it's often best to book it. You can always cancel and rebook if the price drops further.
- What's Not Included: Even the Deluxe Beverage Package has limits. It generally excludes drinks from the mini-bar, fresh-squeezed juices from room service, and certain premium wines or spirits over a specific price point (usually around $13-$14 per drink).
- Non-Alcoholic Options: All packages include non-alcoholic options. The Deluxe and Refreshment packages include speciality coffees, teas, bottled water, fresh juices, and sodas.
Royal Caribbean Drink Package Prices 2026: What to Expect
Understanding the exact cost of Royal Caribbean drink packages can be a bit like hitting a moving target. Prices are dynamic and vary based on several factors, including the specific ship, the length of your cruise, the itinerary, and any ongoing promotions.
| Package Name | Typical Daily Price Range (Pre-Cruise, as of June 2026) | What's Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Beverage Package | £55 – £85 pp/day + 18% gratuity | Cocktails, spirits, wine by the glass, beer, bottled water, sodas, fresh juices, speciality coffees/teas, milkshakes, energy drinks. | Guests who enjoy 5+ alcoholic drinks daily, plus speciality coffees, bottled water, and sodas. |
| Refreshment Package | £20 – £30 pp/day + 18% gratuity | Bottled water, sodas, fresh juices, speciality coffees/teas, non-alcoholic cocktails, milkshakes, energy drinks. | Non-drinkers, designated drivers, teens, or those who want unlimited non-alcoholic premium beverages. |
| Classic Soda Package | £10 – £15 pp/day + 18% gratuity | Unlimited fountain sodas with a souvenir Coca-Cola cup. | Children and adults who only drink sodas and want to save money on individual purchases. |
| Water Bottle Package | £20 – £40 (for 12-24 bottles) | A case of bottled water delivered to your stateroom. | Guests who prefer bottled water over tap water and don't want a full drink package. |
As you can see from the table, the Deluxe Beverage Package has the widest price range. This is often due to the popularity of the sailing or specific promotions. For example, a 7-night Mediterranean cruise on Odyssey of the Seas departing from Rome in August 2026 might see prices at the higher end, whereas a less popular Caribbean sailing in September could be closer to the lower end. Always remember that estimated the 18% gratuity is added on top of these daily rates, so factor that into your budget.
Is the Royal Caribbean Drink Package Worth It? Independent Verdict
This is the million-dollar question, isn't it?
The key is to calculate your break-even point. If the package costs around £70 per day (including gratuity), you need to consume roughly £70 worth of drinks to make it worthwhile. This usually translates to about 5-6 alcoholic drinks plus a few non-alcoholic beverages like speciality coffees (£4-£5 each) or bottled waters (£3-£4 each). If you're consistently hitting or exceeding that number, then yes, it's likely a good investment. If not, you might be better off paying à la carte.
When the Royal Caribbean Drink Package Is Worth It
- You enjoy multiple alcoholic drinks daily: If you typically have 3-4 cocktails, a couple of beers, or several glasses of wine over the course of a day, the Deluxe Beverage Package will almost certainly pay for itself. A typical cocktail can cost £10-£13, a beer £7-£9, and a glass of wine £9-£12.
- You love speciality coffees and fresh juices: Even if you're not a heavy alcoholic drinker, if you start your day with a latte, have a fresh orange juice, grab a bottled water for shore excursions, and enjoy a non-alcoholic cocktail by the pool, these costs add up quickly. The Refreshment Package covers all these non-alcoholic premium options.
- You want to budget and avoid bill shock: One of the biggest advantages is the peace of mind. You know your drinks are covered, so you can order what you fancy without constantly checking prices or worrying about your final bill.
- You're on a longer cruise: On longer itineraries (7 nights or more), the daily cost of the package can sometimes be slightly lower, and you have more days to make the most of it. Plus, the cumulative cost of individual drinks over a longer period can be substantial.
- You find a great pre-cruise deal: If you can snag a package during a 20-30% off sale in the Cruise Planner, your break-even point becomes much easier to reach, making it a far more attractive option.
When the Royal Caribbean Drink Package Is NOT Worth It
- You're a light drinker: If you only have one or two alcoholic drinks a day, or prefer to stick to complimentary options like water, iced tea, and basic coffee, paying à la carte will almost always be cheaper.
- You spend a lot of time ashore: On port-heavy itineraries, you might only be on the ship for dinner and a few hours in the evening. This significantly reduces the time you have to utilise the package, making it harder to get your money's worth.
- You're cruising with young children (for the adults' package): If you're constantly running after little ones, your opportunities for leisurely drinks might be limited. Consider if your lifestyle on the cruise will allow you to consume enough drinks.
- You're happy with complimentary beverages: Royal Caribbean always offers free tap water, basic coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and some juices (at breakfast). If these suffice for most of your hydration needs, save your money.
How to Get the Best Deal on Your Royal Caribbean Drink Package
Securing a Royal Caribbean drink package at a good price can feel like a game of strategy, but with a few insider tips, you can often save a significant amount.
- Buy in Advance via the Cruise Planner: This is the golden rule. Royal Caribbean consistently offers lower prices in their online Cruise Planner (accessible after you've booked your cruise) compared to buying onboard. Look for discounts of around 10-30% off the onboard price.
- Watch for Sales and Promotions: Royal Caribbean frequently runs sales, especially around major holidays (like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or even UK bank holidays) and during specific promotional periods. These sales can offer the deepest discounts on drink packages. Sign up for email alerts from Royal Caribbean.
- Book and Rebook if the Price Drops: Royal Caribbean allows you to cancel and rebook purchases made through the Cruise Planner if the price drops. This is a fantastic feature! Keep checking the price every week or two after you've bought it. If you see it cheaper, cancel your existing purchase and buy it again at the lower price. The refund for the old purchase usually takes a few days to process.
- Consider a 'Drinks Included' Fare: Sometimes, travel agents or Royal Caribbean itself will offer promotions where a drink package is included as part of your cruise fare. While these might seem more expensive upfront, they can be a great value if you were planning on buying the package anyway. Always compare the total cost.
- Look for Onboard Credit Offers: Occasionally, booking promotions might include a significant amount of onboard credit. While not a direct discount on the package, you can use this credit to offset the cost of your drink package, effectively reducing your out-of-pocket expense.
- Don't Wait Until Embarkation Day: Prices on embarkation day are almost always the highest. The convenience of buying it last minute comes at a premium. Plan ahead and purchase it online.
- Check Different Currencies: If you're a UK cruiser, your Cruise Planner will likely default to GBP (£). However, if you booked your cruise through a US travel agent or on the US Royal Caribbean site, sometimes the USD price might be slightly more favourable depending on exchange rates. Always compare, but be aware of potential foreign transaction fees on your credit card.
Royal Caribbean Drink Package Comparison: How It Stacks Up
While Royal Caribbean offers excellent drink packages, it's always good to see how they compare to other popular cruise lines, especially if you're still deciding which cruise is right for you. Here's a quick comparison of how Royal Caribbean's offerings stand against some of its competitors in 2026.
| Cruise Line | Primary Alcoholic Package Name | Typical Daily Price Range (2026) | Key Differences | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Deluxe Beverage Package | £55 – £85 pp/day | Includes speciality coffees, bottled water, fresh juices. Strict 'all adults in cabin' rule. | Excellent variety, often good value if bought on sale, but the 'all adults' rule can be a deal-breaker for some. |
| Carnival Cruise Line | Cheers! Package | £50 – £65 pp/day | Limited to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24 hours. Includes sodas, juices, speciality coffees. Also has 'all adults' rule. | Good value for high-volume drinkers who hit the 15-drink limit. Slightly cheaper than RC, but with a cap. |
| Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) | Premium Plus Beverage Package (often part of Free at Sea) | £80 – £110 pp/day (if purchased separately) | Often included as a 'Free at Sea' perk. Includes premium drinks, bottled water, speciality coffees. No 'all adults' rule if purchased separately. | Fantastic value if included in 'Free at Sea'. Can be very expensive if bought standalone, but offers top-shelf options. |
| Celebrity Cruises | Premium Drink Package (often included in 'All Included' fares) | £60 – £90 pp/day | Similar inclusions to RC, often part of 'All Included' fare. More upscale drink selection. | Great if bundled with your fare, aligns with Celebrity's premium feel. Good for those who appreciate higher-end options. |
| MSC Cruises | Easy Package / Easy Plus Package | £30 – £60 pp/day | Multiple tiers with varying inclusions. Easy is basic, Easy Plus is more comprehensive. Often part of 'Fantastica' or 'Aurea' experiences. | More budget-friendly options, but lower tiers have significant restrictions on venues and drink types. Good for those on a tighter budget. |
| P&O Cruises | Ultimate Drinks Package | £40 – £55 pp/day | Includes most drinks up to £6.95. No 'all adults' rule, but only one package per person. Includes speciality coffees. | Excellent value for UK cruisers, often the most affordable comprehensive package. Good for those who prefer mid-range drinks. |
As you can see, Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package sits in the mid-to-high range price-wise, but its comprehensive inclusions make it competitive. However, if you're looking for sheer affordability without sacrificing too much choice, P&O Cruises often comes out on top for UK cruisers. Ultimately, your choice depends on your budget, your preferred drink types, and how many drinks you anticipate consuming daily.
Royal Caribbean's Other Drink Options: What If You Don't Buy a Package?
It's important to remember that purchasing a drink package is completely optional. Many cruisers choose not to buy one, and that's perfectly fine! Royal Caribbean offers plenty of complimentary beverages, and you can always pay for drinks à la carte. Knowing your alternatives can help you make an informed decision and potentially save money.
Complimentary Beverages
- Tap Water: Available at all bars and in your stateroom. Perfectly safe to drink.
- Basic Coffee & Tea: Available in the Windjammer Marketplace (buffet) and Main Dining Room.
- Iced Tea: Usually available in the Windjammer and Main Dining Room.
- Lemonade & Flavoured Water: Often available in dispensers in the Windjammer and sometimes by the pool.
- Juices (Breakfast): Apple, orange, and cranberry juice are typically available for free during breakfast hours in the Windjammer and Main Dining Room.
- Milk: Available at breakfast and often throughout the day in the Windjammer.
À La Carte Pricing (Typical 2026 Costs)
- Cocktails: Approximately £10 - £13 (e.g., Margarita, Mojito, Piña Colada)
- Beer: Expect around £7 - £9 (e.g., Budweiser, Heineken, local craft beers)
- Wine by the Glass: In the region of £9 - £12 (house wine to mid-range options)
- Bottled Water: An estimated £3 - £4
- Canned Soda: Generally £3 - £3.50
- Speciality Coffee: Normally £4 - £5 (e.g., Latte, Cappuccino, Espresso)
- Fresh Juices: Somewhere around £4 - £5 (e.g., Freshly squeezed orange juice)
- Energy Drinks: About £5 - £6
Whether a package pays off is all about knowing your own habits!
Tips for Maximising Your Royal Caribbean Drink Package
If you've decided to invest in a Royal Caribbean drink package, you'll want to make sure you get the most out of it.
- Start Early, Finish Late: Your package is active from the moment you board until the moment you disembark. Don't wait until dinner to start using it. Grab a speciality coffee or fresh juice in the morning, a soda or bottled water for lunch, and cocktails throughout the afternoon and evening.
- Explore All Your Options: The Deluxe Beverage Package includes a vast array of drinks. Don't just stick to beer and wine. Try different cocktails, enjoy premium spirits, and take advantage of the speciality coffees at places like Café Promenade or Starbucks (if available and included).
- Stay Hydrated: Use your package to grab bottled water throughout the day, especially for shore excursions. It's much more convenient than carrying a reusable bottle to fill up, and staying hydrated helps you enjoy your holiday more.
- Utilise All Venues: Your package works at almost all bars, lounges, and dining venues onboard. Try out the different atmospheres – from the Schooner Bar to the Bionic Bar – and enjoy a drink wherever you are.
- Don't Forget Room Service (for non-alcoholic): While alcoholic drinks from room service are usually excluded, you can often get bottled water or sodas delivered if you have the Deluxe or Refreshment package. Check with guest services for specifics.
- Order Double Shots (for spirits): If you're a fan of spirits, you can often ask for a double shot. While it counts as one drink against your package, it gives you more bang for your buck.
- Consider Mocktails: The Deluxe and Refreshment packages include non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails). These are often delicious and a great way to enjoy a refreshing drink without the alcohol, especially if you're pacing yourself.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your 2026 Royal Caribbean Cruise
Deciding how much is Royal Caribbean drink package and whether to purchase it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences, budget, and cruising style. There's no right or wrong answer, only the best choice for your holiday.
By understanding the different package options, typical prices in 2026, and how to spot a good deal, you're now well-equipped to make an informed decision. Remember to factor in the 20% gratuity, the 'all adults in cabin' rule, and your own drinking habits. Whether you opt for unlimited cocktails or stick to complimentary water, a Royal Caribbean cruise promises an unforgettable experience. Happy cruising!
Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Caribbean Drink Packages
What are the main Royal Caribbean drink packages available in 2026?
In 2026, Royal Caribbean primarily offers three main drink packages: the Refreshment Package (non-alcoholic), the Classic Soda Package (sodas only), and the Deluxe Beverage Package (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). The Deluxe Beverage Package is by far the most popular as it includes a wide range of options from cocktails and wine to speciality coffees and bottled water, offering the most comprehensive coverage for those who enjoy a variety of drinks.
How much does the Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package cost per day in 2026?
The Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package typically costs between £55 to £85 per person, per day, in 2026. This price can vary significantly based on the sailing, ship, itinerary, and when you purchase it. Booking it pre-cruise through the Cruise Planner often results in a lower price compared to buying it onboard, sometimes saving you up to 30% or more on the daily rate.
Is the Royal Caribbean drink package worth it for a 7-night cruise in 2026?
Whether the Royal Caribbean drink package is 'worth it' depends entirely on your drinking habits. For a 7-night cruise, if you typically consume 5-6 alcoholic drinks (cocktails, wine, or premium beers) plus a few speciality coffees, bottled waters, and sodas each day, the Deluxe Beverage Package can easily pay for itself. However, if you're a light drinker or prefer to stick to complimentary options, it might not be the best value.
Can I share a Royal Caribbean drink package with someone else?
No, Royal Caribbean's policy explicitly states that drink packages cannot be shared. If one adult in a stateroom purchases a Deluxe Beverage Package, all other adults aged 21 and over (or 18+ on some international sailings) in the same stateroom are also required to purchase a Deluxe Beverage Package or the Refreshment Package. This policy is strictly enforced, and you could lose your package privileges if caught sharing.
When is the best time to buy a Royal Caribbean drink package for 2026?
The best time to buy a Royal Caribbean drink package for 2026 is almost always pre-cruise through Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner website. Prices tend to fluctuate, but they are generally lower online before your sailing than they are once you board the ship. Keep an eye out for sales, especially around major holidays or during specific promotional periods, as you can often snag discounts of 10-30% off the onboard price.
What happens if I don't buy a drink package on Royal Caribbean?
If you choose not to purchase a drink package, you will pay for all beverages à la carte. This includes alcoholic drinks, speciality coffees, fresh juices, bottled water, and sodas. Complimentary beverages like tap water, basic coffee, tea, and some juices at breakfast are always available. Paying as you go can be more economical for light drinkers, but costs can quickly add up if you frequently order premium drinks.
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